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Archive · Puzzle Generator 1.x

Create Your Own Word Search Puzzle in 7 Steps

This tutorial explains how to create a custom word search puzzle using the older version of Puzzle Generator (version 1.x). You can enter your own word lists, generate the puzzle automatically, customize the design, and finally print or export the result.

Archive notice: This tutorial refers to Puzzle Generator version 1.x and is kept for documentation purposes only. The current version of the software includes a modernized interface and additional features.

Tutorial

The following step-by-step guide shows how to create your own word search puzzle with Puzzle Generator in just a few steps.

Step 1: Select the puzzle type and create a new puzzle

  • After downloading and installing the program, start Puzzle Generator from the Windows Start menu.
  • Select “File → New Puzzle” or click the toolbar button to create a new project.
  • A dialog window will open where you can select the puzzle type “Word Search Puzzle”. An empty puzzle grid will then be created.

Step 2: Enter your words

  • Under “1. Define Words”, enter the words you want to include in the puzzle.
  • These words will later be hidden automatically within the letter grid.
Enter words

Step 3: Define puzzle size and options

After entering all words, you can configure the puzzle settings.

  • Switch to the tab “2. Generate”.
  • Set the desired puzzle size, for example 16 × 16 cells.
  • Choose whether words may also appear backwards.
  • Define the allowed directions (for example horizontal or vertical).
  • You can also select which letters should be used to fill the remaining empty cells.
Puzzle options

Step 4: Generate the puzzle and review the result

Click “Generate New Puzzle” in the “2. Generate” tab.

  • After the calculation, a preview of the word search puzzle appears on the right.
  • The lower section shows information about the result such as the number of words used.
  • Tip: By right-clicking you can export lists of used or unused words.

Step 5: Customize colors and appearance

  • Open the tab “3. Customize” to adjust the puzzle design.
  • You can change colors, fonts, grid size, and other layout settings.
  • Background colors or gradients can also be configured.
  • Experiment with the available options to create your preferred design.

Step 6: Save and print the puzzle

  • Save your project using “File → Save” or the toolbar button .
  • Saved projects can later be reopened and edited.
  • To print the puzzle select “File → Print” or click the toolbar button .
  • Remember to select the appropriate printer in the print dialog.

Step 7: Optional – Export as image or Word document

You can also export the generated puzzle to other formats:

  1. Use “Export” to save image files such as JPG, PNG, or BMP.
  2. Use “Tools → Save Word Document” or the toolbar button to create a .DOCX file that can be edited in Microsoft Word.